Former Del Mar superintendent McClain files lawsuit against district

DEL MAR  Former Del Mar school Superintendent Sharon McClain, ousted in March, has sued the district for wrongful termination.

The Del Mar Union School District’s board of trustees terminated McClain for cause March 31. She is asking for one year’s salary of $178,000, an additional $15,000 in retirement account funds, and punitive damages. McClain said almost immediately after she was fired that would seek legal action against the district. She filed the lawsuit in Superior Court on Sept. 17.

District Trustee Katherine White, one of three who voted to fire McClain, declined to answer questions, saying it was inappropriate to comment on pending lawsuits.

McClain is the second Del Mar union superintendent fired since 2008. That year, the board ousted Tom Bishop, paying him $300,000 upon termination.

McClain was fired in a hastily called public meeting on the afternoon of March 31. Each of the more than 30 public speakers voiced support for McClain, giving her a standing ovation after she read a statement.

Many accused the board of micromanagement and told trustees they would be held accountable come the November election. Two trustees who voted to fire McClain would have been up for re-election this year, but decided not to run. Current board President Steven McDowell, who abstained from the vote to fire McClain, is the lone incumbent seeking an additional term.

McClain was hired in September 2008, signing a four-year contract. Under the agreement, she would have been entitled to a year’s salary and temporary continuance of benefits if she was terminated without cause. By being terminated for cause, her pay and benefits ceased immediately. She said the trustees never gave her specific reasons for her removal.

James Peabody was hired as interim superintendent the day after McClain was let go. He has since become permanent.